Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast When It Was Real

🔥 WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 78 🔥 🏟️ MADISON SQUARE GARDEN – AUGUST 29, 1977 🏟️

Fire up the Wrestling Wayback Machine because this week, Nikita Breznikov and Benny “The Playa” Scala are heading back to the legendary Madison Square Garden for an unforgettable night of old-school professional wrestling!

📅 LIVE Wednesday, August 26th ⏰ 7:30 PM ET 📺 The Playa Entertainment Network

This week’s card features an EPIC DUAL MAIN EVENT!

🏆 WWWF WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP The reigning champion puts the richest prize in professional wrestling on the line against the immensely popular powerhouse known as “Polish Power” IVAN PUTSKI!

💀 TEXAS DEATH MATCH! 💀 The legendary BRUNO SAMMARTINO steps into one of wrestling’s most brutal matches against Olympic strongman KEN PATERA! No ordinary match could contain the hatred between these two incredible athletes — somebody has to survive!

It’s another trip back to an era when Madison Square Garden was the Mecca of Professional Wrestling, the championships mattered, the rivalries felt personal, and the action inside the squared circle kept fans on the edge of their seats!

Join Nikita & Benny every Wednesday night at 7:30 PM as they relive the matches, personalities, stories, and unforgettable moments from the halcyon days of professional wrestling!

🚂 Wrestling Wayback Machine... 🎯 Destination: WHEN IT WAS REAL!

👍 LIKE • SUBSCRIBE • SHARE • JOIN US LIVE!

#WhenItWasReal #Episode78 #MadisonSquareGarden #WWWF #OldSchoolWrestling #BrunoSammartino #IvanPutski #KenPatera #PolishPower #TexasDeathMatch #MSG #ProWrestlingHistory #ClassicWrestling #WrestlingWaybackMachine #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingPodcast #1977Wrestling #WhenWrestlingWasReal

It's a wet weekend (at least here in Florida!), so here's one of our most popular episodes to tide you over till the sun comes out...Nikita and Benny commandeer the Wrestling Wayback Machine back to the Mecca of Professional Wrestling, Madison Square Garden, on May 19, 1980...The main event featured WWF Champion Bob Backlund taking on one of his toughest opponents, former Olympian Ken Patera...Plus an undercard filled with legends and Hall of Famers!

🔥 WHEN IT WAS REAL — EPISODE 77 🔥 🏟️ MADISON SQUARE GARDEN — AUGUST 7, 1976 🏟️

📅 LIVE Wednesday, August 19 at 7:30 PM ET 📺 The Playa Entertainment Network

Step inside the Wrestling Wayback Machine as When It Was Real returns to Madison Square Garden for one of the most brutal and unforgettable nights of the 1970s!

This week, Nikita Breznikov and Benny “The Playa” Scala travel back 50 years to August 7, 1976, when the legendary Bruno Sammartino defended the WWWF Heavyweight Championship against the dangerous Stan “The Lariat” Hansen!

⛓️ AND THIS TIME…THEY’RE LOCKED INSIDE A STEEL CAGE! ⛓️

The rivalry between Sammartino and Hansen had become intensely personal, and inside the confines of a steel cage at the World’s Most Famous Arena, these two warriors looked to settle the score once and for all!

But the main event is only part of the story! This classic Madison Square Garden card features an undercard loaded with wrestling legends, future Hall of Famers, colorful characters, and unforgettable names from the glory days of the WWWF.

🎙️ Nikita and Benny break down the matches, the personalities, the stories behind the card, and what professional wrestling was like during the incredible summer of 1976.

So grab your ticket, find your seat at Madison Square Garden, and join us for another trip back to a time when the arenas were packed, the rivalries felt personal, and the action felt REAL!

🚂 ALL ABOARD THE WRESTLING WAYBACK MACHINE!

Destination: Madison Square Garden — August 7, 1976.

Destination…WHEN IT WAS REAL!

👍 PLEASE LIKE & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PLAYA ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK!

#WhenItWasReal #Episode77 #BrunoSammartino #StanHansen #TheLariat #SteelCageMatch #MadisonSquareGarden #WWWF #WrestlingHistory #OldSchoolWrestling #ClassicWrestling #ProWrestling #WrestlingLegends #Bruno #StanHansen #MSG #1976 #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingWaybackMachine #WhenWrestlingWasReal

🔥 WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 76 🔥 🪑 “THE (CHAIR) SHOT HEARD ’ROUND THE WORLD” 🪑

📅 LIVE Wednesday, August 12 at 7:30 PM 🎙️ VERY SPECIAL GUEST: LARRY ZBYSZKO!

It remains one of the most shocking, unforgettable moments in professional wrestling history.

Larry Zbyszko was the protégé.

Bruno Sammartino was the mentor...the teacher...the hero...and, to millions of wrestling fans, THE LIVING LEGEND.

Then came the moment that changed everything.

In 1980, teacher and student stepped into the ring for what was supposed to be a scientific wrestling match between two men who shared a deep history.

Instead, it became THE (CHAIR) SHOT HEARD ’ROUND THE WORLD!

With Bruno Sammartino lying prone and bloodied in the ring, Larry Zbyszko stood over his fallen mentor, chair in hand.

In a matter of moments, one of wrestling’s most beloved young stars became one of its most hated villains.

🔥 AND THIS WEEK, LARRY ZBYSZKO JOINS US TO TELL THE STORY HIMSELF! 🔥

What was it like to work with Bruno Sammartino?

How did the idea for this legendary turn come together?

Did Larry know just how much hatred he was about to receive?

And what was it like walking into arenas filled with thousands of fans who legitimately wanted to see Bruno Sammartino destroy him?

Join Nikita Breznikov and Benny “The Playa” Scala as they welcome WWE Hall of Famer Larry Zbyszko and travel back to one of the greatest wrestling angles ever created.

The name of our show is WHEN IT WAS REAL...

But on that unforgettable night, with Larry holding that chair and standing over a fallen Bruno Sammartino...

It could only be described as...

🪑 WHEN IT WAS SURREAL. 🪑

🎙️ WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 76 🔥 THE (CHAIR) SHOT HEARD ’ROUND THE WORLD ⭐ SPECIAL GUEST: LARRY ZBYSZKO 📅 LIVE WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12 – 7:30 PM

Climb aboard the Wrestling Wayback Machine with Nikita and Benny as we revisit the stories...and the stories behind the stories...

WHEN IT WAS REAL!

#WhenItWasReal #LarryZbyszko #BrunoSammartino #TheLivingLegend #WWEHallOfFame #WWWF #WWE #OldSchoolWrestling #ClassicWrestling #ProWrestling #WrestlingHistory #WrestlingLegends #LarryZbyszkoVsBrunoSammartino #SteelChair #1980sWrestling #WrestlingPodcast #WrestlingWaybackMachine #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #BooOnMe

Today marks the 46th anniversary of the epic Steel Cage Match at Shea Stadium between Larry Zbyszko and Bruno Sammartino. Larry will be our very special guest this Wednesday (August 12th), but to hold you until then, we give you the World Premiere of "Larry and Bruno", written by Benny "The Jet" Scala...Enjoy and have a great weekend!

The Wrestling Wayback Machine returns to the World's Most Famous Arena as Nikita and Benny take you back to Madison Square Garden on August 28, 1978, for another unforgettable night in professional wrestling history!

This incredible card is packed from top to bottom with legendary names and future Hall of Famers, showcasing the World Wide Wrestling Federation at the height of its popularity. Every match delivered the larger-than-life personalities, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable action that made Madison Square Garden the true Mecca of Professional Wrestling.

The evening reaches its thrilling conclusion when WWWF Champion Bob Backlund defends the richest prize in wrestling against one of the most feared competitors of his era—"The Russian Bear" Ivan Koloff. Could the powerhouse challenger capture championship gold, or would the young champion continue his historic reign?

Join Nikita and Benny as they break down every match, relive the biggest moments, share fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, and reveal the stories behind the stories that made this event so memorable.

Hop aboard The Wrestling Wayback Machine and experience professional wrestling the way it was meant to be experienced... WHEN IT WAS REAL!

📺 LIVE Wednesday, August 5 at 7:30 PM ET Only on The Playa Entertainment Network!

👍 Please Like, Subscribe, and Share!

#WhenItWasReal #MadisonSquareGarden #BobBacklund #IvanKoloff #WWWF #WWFHistory #ClassicWrestling #ProWrestling #WrestlingHistory #WrestlingWaybackMachine #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #OldSchoolWrestling #HallOfFamers #VintageWrestling #LivePodcast

WHEN IT WAS REAL – Episode 74 Madison Square Garden – August 1, 1977

The Wrestling Wayback Machine is headed back to the Mecca of Professional Wrestling as Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala relive another unforgettable night from Madison Square Garden on August 1, 1977!

The main event is an absolute classic as the beloved Bruno Sammartino once again challenges the flamboyant and controversial World Wide Wrestling Federation Champion, Superstar Billy Graham, in one of the defining rivalries of the 1970s. Adding even more intrigue to this championship showdown is the presence of legendary Gorilla Monsoon, serving as the Special Guest Referee. With emotions running high and the Garden crowd firmly behind Bruno, this was another chapter in one of wrestling's greatest title feuds.

But the excitement doesn't stop there! The undercard is stacked with an incredible collection of future Hall of Famers and wrestling legends. Fans will see stars such as Carlos Colón, Johnny Rodz, Larry Zbyszko, George "The Animal" Steele, Stan Stasiak, Professor Toru Tanaka, Mr. Fuji, Ivan Putski, and many more competing in six action-packed bouts that showcase why this era is still considered one of the greatest in professional wrestling history.

As always, Nikita and Benny go far beyond the results. They'll take you behind the scenes with fascinating historical context, little-known stories, insider perspectives, and, of course... the stories behind the stories that made these legendary events so memorable.

So climb aboard the Wrestling Wayback Machine and travel back to a time when Madison Square Garden truly was the center of the wrestling universe.

Join us LIVE Wednesday, July 29 at 7:30 PM ET exclusively on The Playa Entertainment Network!

Destination: WHEN IT WAS REAL!

#WhenItWasReal #MadisonSquareGarden #BrunoSammartino #SuperstarBillyGraham #WWWF #GorillaMonsoon #LarryZbyszko #GeorgeSteele #IvanPutski #CarlosColon #MrFuji #ProfessorTanaka #StanStasiak #ClassicWrestling #WrestlingHistory #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork

WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 73 Madison Square Garden – July 30, 1983 LIVE Wednesday, July 22 • 7:30 PM ET Only on The Playa Entertainment Network

🚨 Destination: Madison Square Garden – July 30, 1983! 🚨

This week, The Wrestling Wayback Machine heads back to the legendary Madison Square Garden, the undisputed Mecca of Professional Wrestling, for another unforgettable night in WWF history!

Join Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala as they break down every match, every moment, and every memory from this spectacular card featuring one of the most beloved champions of all time. In the main event, reigning WWF Champion Bob Backlund once again puts the gold on the line against his unpredictable and relentless rival, George "The Animal" Steele, in another chapter of their classic rivalry.

But that's just the beginning!

This loaded Garden card features an incredible lineup of wrestling legends, including Andre the Giant, Ivan Koloff, Don Muraco, "Superfly" Jimmy Snuka, Ivan Putski, Dusty Rhodes, Sergeant Slaughter, and many more Hall of Fame performers who helped define professional wrestling during one of its greatest eras.

Whether you were lucky enough to witness it live or you're experiencing it for the very first time, this is your chance to relive one of the great nights in Madison Square Garden history. So buckle up, climb aboard The Wrestling Wayback Machine, and let Nikita and Benny take you on another unforgettable journey back to the days...

WHEN IT WAS REAL!

📺 LIVE Wednesday, July 22 at 7:30 PM ET 📍 Exclusively on The Playa Entertainment Network

#WhenItWasReal #WWF #MadisonSquareGarden #BobBacklund #GeorgeTheAnimalSteele #AndreTheGiant #JimmySnuka #DonMuraco #DustyRhodes #IvanKoloff #IvanPutski #SergeantSlaughter #ClassicWrestling #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingHistory #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #ProfessionalWrestling #WrestlingWaybackMachine

 WHEN IT WAS REAL – Episode 72 🗓️ LIVE Wednesday, July 15 • 7:30 PM ET 📺 Exclusively on The Playa Entertainment Network

🚨 The Wrestling Wayback Machine is fueled up and ready for another unforgettable trip through professional wrestling history!

This week, Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala return to the Mecca of Professional Wrestling, Madison Square Garden, for the legendary card of July 30, 1979.

The summer of '79 was scorching, and so was the action inside the World's Most Famous Arena!

🔥 Witness one of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper's earliest Madison Square Garden appearances as the future icon begins making his presence felt on the biggest stage in wrestling.

🔥 Feel the intensity of an unforgettable Indian Strap Match as bitter enemies Chief Jay Strongbow and "The Hammer" Greg Valentine settle their score in one of the Garden's most brutal and emotional battles.

🏆 Then it's time for the main event as WWF Champion Bob Backlund and the legendary Pat Patterson collide in Match Two of their historic four-match tetralogy. Two of the greatest wrestlers of their generation pushed each other to the limit in a championship rivalry that deserves far more recognition than it receives today.

As always, Nikita and Benny will relive every match, every storyline, every unforgettable moment, and all the history that made this one of the great Madison Square Garden cards of the era.

So climb aboard the Wrestling Wayback Machine and let us transport you to a time when the arenas were packed, the rivalries were personal, and WHEN IT WAS REAL!

Destination: Madison Square Garden... July 30, 1979.

Don't miss it—LIVE Wednesday, July 15 at 7:30 PM ET only on The Playa Entertainment Network!

#WhenItWasReal #Episode72 #MadisonSquareGarden #WWF #BobBacklund #PatPatterson #RoddyPiper #ChiefJayStrongbow #GregValentine #IndianStrapMatch #WrestlingWaybackMachine #ClassicWrestling #TerritorialWrestling #OldSchoolWrestling #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #ProfessionalWrestling #WrestlingHistory #LivePodcast

🔥 WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 71 🔥

LIVE Wednesday, July 8th at 7:30 PM ET only on The Playa Entertainment Network!

🌡️ JULY...HOT AS HELL! 🌡️

The temperature is rising, and so is the excitement as Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala fire up the Wrestling Wayback Machine for another unforgettable trip into professional wrestling's golden age!

This week, the guys break down the epic July 16, 1977 card from the Baltimore Civic Center, featuring some of the biggest stars and hottest rivalries of the era. But wait...there's more!

As a special bonus, Nikita and Benny will also revisit several classic Boston Garden battles featuring the one and only Bruno Sammartino, the Living Legend himself! From unforgettable championship clashes to legendary performances, this is a celebration of one of the greatest careers in wrestling history.

If you love classic wrestling, unforgettable arenas, legendary champions, and stories from the days WHEN IT WAS REAL, you won't want to miss this episode!

So climb aboard the Wrestling Wayback Machine with Nikita and Benny...

Destination: WHEN IT WAS REAL!

👍 Please Like, Subscribe, and Share The Playa Entertainment Network!

#WhenItWasReal #Episode71 #JulyHotAsHell #BrunoSammartino #BaltimoreCivicCenter #BostonGarden #ClassicWrestling #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingHistory #TerritoryWrestling #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #ProfessionalWrestling #WrestlingWaybackMachine

Every Wednesday night at 7:30 PM, climb aboard The Wrestling Wayback Machine with Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala as they transport you back to the golden age of professional wrestling... WHEN IT WAS REAL!

From legendary championship battles and unforgettable rivalries to the larger-than-life personalities who built the business, Nikita and Benny relive the matches, moments, and memories that made wrestling truly special. Every week, the guys break down classic cards, celebrate the careers of wrestling's greatest legends, share behind-the-scenes stories, and occasionally welcome special guests for exclusive interviews you won't want to miss.

If you miss the days when wrestling was about packed arenas, unforgettable promos, and timeless storytelling, this is the show for you!

Join pro wrestling author, actor, manager, and podcaster Nikita Breznikov, alongside pro wrestling author, podcaster, and weekend DJ Benny "The Playa" Scala, every Wednesday at 7:30 PM, exclusively on The Playa Entertainment Network.

Please like, subscribe, and be part of the conversation as we take you back to a time... WHEN IT WAS REAL!

#WhenItWasReal #TheWrestlingWaybackMachine #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlayaScala #ClassicWrestling #OldSchoolWrestling #ProWrestlingHistory #WWWF #WWF #NWA #TerritoryWrestling #WrestlingLegends #ProfessionalWrestling #WrestlingFans #PleaseLikeAndSubscribe

Happy Weekend to all! Here for your listening pleasure is one of our all-time favorite episodes...WWE Hall of Famer Johnny Rodz, 5-Time WWF World Tag Team Champion Tony Garea, and the man with the PhD in Professional Wrestling, Davey O'Hannon...More affectionately known as The Three Amigos! If you like listening to some great stories from some true wrestling legends, look no further!

🚨 THE WRESTLING WAYBACK MACHINE IS HEADED BACK TO THE MECCA! 🚨

This Wednesday night at 7:30 PM, Episode 69 of When It Was Real takes a trip to one of the most legendary cards in professional wrestling history as Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala set the controls for Madison Square Garden on June 30, 1973!

The World's Most Famous Arena was packed with some of the biggest stars and future Hall of Famers the wrestling business has ever produced. We're talking about a card loaded with legends including Blackjack Lanza, Professor Tanaka, Gorilla Monsoon, Captain Lou Albano, Pedro Morales, George "The Animal" Steele, Chief Jay Strongbow, and the massive Haystacks Calhoun!

Before sports entertainment, before social media, before pyrotechnics and giant video screens, there was Madison Square Garden—the proving ground of champions and the home of professional wrestling's greatest heroes and villains. Nikita and Benny will break down every match, every character, and every unforgettable moment from this incredible night in wrestling history.

And as if that wasn't enough, Wednesday also happens to be Benny "The Playa" Scala's birthday! So be sure to stop by the chat and remind him that anyone who remembers this card firsthand may have seen a dinosaur roam! 🎂😂

Join us LIVE every Wednesday night as we fire up the Wrestling Wayback Machine and transport you back to a time when the arenas were packed, the heroes were larger than life, and professional wrestling was... WHEN IT WAS REAL!

📅 Wednesday, June 24th ⏰ 7:30 PM Eastern 📺 The Playa Entertainment Network

👍 Please Like, Subscribe, and Share!

#WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWaybackMachine #MadisonSquareGarden #MSG #PedroMorales #GorillaMonsoon #GeorgeSteele #ChiefJayStrongbow #BlackjackLanza #ProfessorTanaka #LouAlbano #HaystacksCalhoun #OldSchoolWrestling #ClassicWrestling #WWWF #WrestlingHistory #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork

Here's a little something to get you through the weekend! Our Christmas Eve episode entitled "The Night The Music Died." Nikita and Benny hop into the Wrestling Wayback Machine and visit Madison Square Garden on December 26, 1983. The fateful night when the nearly 6 year title reign of Bob Backlund was ended at the hands of The Iron Sheik. But this match and this night went far beyond the crowning of a new champion...this represented the end of the era we all know and love as old school wrestling...

🚨THE WRESTLING WAYBACK MACHINE IS HEADED BACK TO THE MECCA! 🚨

This Wednesday night at 7:30 PM, join Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala on The Playa Entertainment Network as When It Was Real travels back to the hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden on June 27, 1977!

The main event alone was enough to shake the foundations of the World's Most Famous Arena! Fresh off his stunning championship victory, the newly crowned WWWF World Heavyweight Champion, Superstar Billy Graham, puts the gold on the line in an explosive rematch against the man he dethroned, "The Living Legend" Bruno Sammartino. Pride, revenge, and the richest prize in professional wrestling were all at stake as these two titans collided once again in one of the most memorable rivalries of the era.

But the excitement didn't stop there! This legendary Garden card was packed from top to bottom with wrestling icons, future Hall of Famers, and unforgettable action that helped define the golden age of professional wrestling.

Nikita and Benny will take their customary deep dive into the stories, personalities, and moments that made this night so special. So buckle up, hop aboard the Wrestling Wayback Machine, and prepare to return to a time when larger-than-life heroes and villains captivated audiences night after night...

📅 Wednesday, June 17th ⏰ 7:30 PM Eastern 📺 LIVE on The Playa Entertainment Network

👍 Please Like and Subscribe!

Because every Wednesday night, there's only one destination...

WHEN IT WAS REAL!

#WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWaybackMachine #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #MadisonSquareGarden #WWWF #SuperstarBillyGraham #BrunoSammartino #LivingLegend #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingHistory #ProfessionalWrestling #TerritoryEra #WrestlingLegends #LikeAndSubscribe

🎙️ WHEN IT WAS REAL – Episode 67 🎙️ 📅 LIVE Wednesday, June 10 at 7:30 PM 📺 Exclusively on The Playa Entertainment Network

This week, your fearless pilots Nikita Breznikov and Benny "The Playa" Scala fire up the Wrestling Wayback Machine and set the coordinates for June 27, 1981, landing at the legendary Capital Centre in Landover, Maryland for another unforgettable night of classic WWF action!

The main event spotlight shines brightly on WWF Champion Bob Backlund as he defends his title against former Canadian football star turned wrestling powerhouse Angelo Mosca. Can the rugged champion withstand the challenge of the man known as "King Kong"?

The night also marks the triumphant return of the legendary André the Giant following a broken ankle, as the Eighth Wonder of the World steps back into a WWF ring to the delight of the Capital Centre faithful.

And if that's not enough, prepare for a classic clash of styles when international superstar Mil Máscaras squares off against the hard-nosed, drill-sergeant tough Sergeant Slaughter in a match that showcased everything fans loved about early-1980s wrestling.

Join Nikita and Benny as they break down the card, revisit the stories, discuss the stars, and relive an era when professional wrestling was larger than life and every arena card felt special.

Tune in LIVE every Wednesday night at 7:30 PM and chat old-school wrestling with fellow fans as we remember the glory days... WHEN IT WAS REAL!

#WhenItWasReal #WWF1981 #CapitalCentre #BobBacklund #AngeloMosca #AndreTheGiant #MilMascaras #SergeantSlaughter #OldSchoolWrestling #ClassicWrestling #WrestlingHistory #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #NikitaBreznikov #BennyThePlaya #WrestlingWaybackMachine #TerritorialWrestling #GoldenAgeOfWrestling #ProWrestling

Greetings all! If you haven't gotten enough old school wrestling this weekend, take a listen to one of our favorite episodes...Nikita and Benny are graced by the presence of a true professional wrestling legend, The Unpredictable Johnny Rodz! Johnny recently celebrated his 85th birthday, and was inducted into the St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame in May. The accolades keep coming for Johnny, and they are very well deserved!

#johnnyrodz #theunpredictablejohnnyrodz #javaruuk #wwehalloffame

🚨 THIS WEEK on EPISODE 66 of WHEN IT WAS REAL! 🚨

The Wrestling Wayback Machine travels to the most famous arena in the world — MADISON SQUARE GARDEN — for a HISTORIC night in professional wrestling history on June 4, 1979!

🏆 The VERY FIRST Battle Royal ever held at the Garden! 💰 A $10,000 prize on the line! 🔥 Before the world knew him as The Iron Sheik, he was the feared HUSSEIN ARAB — and on this unforgettable night, he outlasted everyone to claim victory!

But the night was far from over...

His reward? 👉 $10,000 CASH 👉 AND a WWF World Heavyweight Championship match later that same evening against the reigning champion, BOB BACKLUND!

Could Hussein Arab shock the wrestling world twice in one night? Could Backlund survive one of his fiercest rivals?

Join Nikita and Benny as they relive every slam, every surprise, and every unforgettable moment from one of the most unique cards in Madison Square Garden history!

🎙️ LIVE Wednesday, June 3rd at 7:30 PM 📺 ONLY on The Playa Entertainment Network

Hop aboard the Wrestling Wayback Machine and journey back to a time and place...

WHEN IT WAS REAL.

#WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWaybackMachine #WWF #MadisonSquareGarden #BobBacklund #IronSheik #HusseinArab #ClassicWrestling #TerritorialWrestling #VintageWrestling #OldSchoolWrestling #ProWrestlingHistory #BattleRoyal #WWFHistory #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingPodcast #1979Wrestling #MSG #NikitaAndBenny

🎙️ WHEN IT WAS REAL – Episode 65 | LIVE Wednesday, May 27 • 7:30 PM 🎙️

The Wrestling Wayback Machine powers up once again as Nikita and Benny travel back to May 28, 1983 and land at the legendary Capital Centre for a night packed with championship battles and an entire roster that reads like a Hall of Fame reunion.

This week’s deep dive revisits a classic era of WWF action featuring Don Muraco defending the Intercontinental Championship against Rocky Johnson in a heated return encounter, while WWF World Heavyweight Champion Bob Backlund puts the gold on the line against newly crowned tag team champion Afa in the featured main event.

From unforgettable personalities… to classic storytelling… to the atmosphere that made wrestling feel larger than life… Nikita and Benny break it all down the way only WHEN IT WAS REAL can.

📺 LIVE Wednesday, May 27 at 7:30 PM 📡 Exclusively on The Playa Entertainment Network 👍 Please Like • Subscribe • Share

Join us every Wednesday night as we go BACK TO A TIME… OF WHEN IT WAS REAL.

#WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWaybackMachine #ClassicWrestling #WWF #BobBacklund #DonMuraco #RockyJohnson #Afa #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingHistory #ProWrestling #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #LivePodcast #RetroWrestling #TerritoryDays #WrestlingFans

For your additional listening pleasure during this great holiday weekend, here is our first episode of 2026! Nikita and Benny cover two of the most shocking heel turns in the history of wrestling! Spiros Arion, The Golden Greek, did the unthinkable and turned on his friend and tag team partner, Chief Jay Strongbow. And 5 years later, Larry became Judas when he turned on his mentor, wrestling's Living Legend, Bruno Sammartino. Enjoy and have a fabulous (but safe) weekend!

🔥 WEDNESDAY NIGHT (May 20th) at 7:30 PM — the Wrestling Wayback Machine rolls back into the legendary Madison Square Garden for another unforgettable chapter of WHEN IT WAS REAL!

Episode 64 of When It Was Real takes you back to May 19, 1980, for a STACKED night of classic WWF action from the Mecca of Professional Wrestling! Nikita and Benny break down every match, every moment, and every memory from this absolutely loaded card!

💥 In the featured 6-Man Tag Team War: Pat Patterson, Tony Atlas & Ivan Putski collide with the savage Wild Samoans and the High Chief Peter Maivia in a battle that shook MSG to its core!

🏆 Then in the brutal MAIN EVENT: WWF Champion Bob Backlund defends the gold against the powerful and dangerous Ken Patera in a TEXAS DEATH MATCH with survival on the line!

From opening bell to main event chaos, this is old-school wrestling at its absolute finest!

📺 Join Nikita and Benny LIVE every Wednesday night at 7:30 PM on The Playa Entertainment Network — and don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit that notification bell!

🎙️ WHEN IT WAS REAL — because wrestling memories never die!

#WhenItWasReal #WWF #MadisonSquareGarden #BobBacklund #KenPatera #PatPatterson #TonyAtlas #IvanPutski #WildSamoans #PeterMaivia #TexasDeathMatch #ClassicWrestling #OldSchoolWrestling #ProWrestlingHistory #WrestlingPodcast #TerritorialWrestling #VintageWrestling #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingFans #MSGWrestling

🚨 WRESTLING WAYBACK MACHINE SET FOR NEW YORK CITY! 🚨

This Wednesday night, Episode 63 of WHEN IT WAS REAL goes LIVE at 7:30 PM on The Playa Entertainment Network! 🎙️🔥

Nikita and Benny travel back to May 16, 1977, as the Wrestling Wayback Machine lands inside the legendary Madison Square Garden for another unforgettable night in wrestling history! 🗽💥

This historic card features: 🏆 Superstar Billy Graham’s FIRST Madison Square Garden title defense as WWWF Champion! 💪 Classic battles from the golden era! 🎟️ A packed MSG crowd and the electric atmosphere only 1970s wrestling could deliver!

Join us every Wednesday night at 7:30 PM and find out… 🌎 WHERE WILL THE WRESTLING WAYBACK MACHINE LAND NEXT?

⚡ WHEN IT WAS REAL ⚡

#WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWaybackMachine #SuperstarBillyGraham #MadisonSquareGarden #WWWF #ClassicWrestling #TerritoryWrestling #1977Wrestling #OldSchoolWrestling #ProWrestlingHistory #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #LiveWrestlingPodcast #WrestlingPodcast #VintageWrestling #MSGWrestling

🚨 WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 62 🚨

Baltimore… April 30, 1977… a night etched in wrestling history forever.

The unbeatable champion. The working-class hero. The man who never lost…

Bruno Sammartino.

And then… the unthinkable happened.

The flamboyant, charismatic challenger… Superstar Billy Graham… shocked the world and ENDED the reign of a legend, capturing the WWWF Heavyweight Championship in front of a stunned, sold-out crowd at the Baltimore Civic Center.

Fans came expecting another routine victory… They left in disbelief.

This week, Nikita Breznikov and Benny “The Playa” Scala fire up the Wrestling Wayback Machine to relive one of the most shocking title changes in wrestling history, plus the full card from that unforgettable night in Baltimore.

💥 A dynasty falls. 💥 A new era begins. 💥 Wrestling… at its most REAL.

📅 LIVE Wednesday, May 6th at 7:30 PM EST 📺 Only on The Playa Entertainment Network

👉 Tune in every Wednesday night as we take you back to a time…

…When It Was Real.

#WhenItWasReal #WWWF #BrunoSammartino #SuperstarBillyGraham #ProWrestlingHistory #WrestlingPodcast #TerritoryDays #OldSchoolWrestling #BaltimoreCivicCenter #1977 #WrestlingWaybackMachine #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #ClassicWrestling #WrestlingLegends

🚨 WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 61 🚨

The Wrestling Wayback Machine stops at the legendary Madison Square Garden… April 26, 1976… and what should have been another triumphant night for the champion turned into one of the most shocking moments in wrestling history.

A sellout crowd came to see the unstoppable Bruno… but left in stunned silence. A new, dangerous force had arrived — Stan “The Lariat” Hansen — and in one devastating moment, everything changed. A broken neck. A fallen legend. And a city in disbelief.

What REALLY happened that night? What did the fans NOT see? And how did this moment reshape the wrestling world forever?

Nikita Breznikov and Benny “The Playa” Scala take you deeper than ever — uncovering the story BEHIND the story, only on When It Was Real.

📅 LIVE Wednesday, April 29 ⏰ 7:30 PM 📺 The Playa Entertainment Network

Strap in… history isn’t just remembered — it’s relived.

#WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWaybackMachine #MSG1976 #Bruno #StanHansen #ProWrestlingHistory #TerritoryDays #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingPodcast #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #LivePodcast #WrestlingLegends #BehindTheStory

🔥 WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 60 🔥

The Wrestling Wayback Machine is fired up once again as Nikita and Benny take you back to April 23, 1983, in Landover, Maryland—where the giants walked tall and the action hit HARD!

Step into a night where legends collided and the stakes were sky-high…

💥 André the Giant vs. John Studd – a true battle of behemoths that shook the ring to its core! 🏆 Don Muraco vs. Rocky Johnson – the Intercontinental Championship on the line in a clash of power, pride, and pure 80s intensity!

From the electric crowd to the unforgettable showdowns, this episode dives deep into one of the most hard-hitting cards of the era. Relive the drama, the larger-than-life personalities, and the moments that made wrestling feel… REAL.

📺 Catch it LIVE Wednesday, April 22 at 7:30 PM on The Playa Entertainment Network 🎯 Destination: When It Was Real

#WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWaybackMachine #WWF1983 #AndreTheGiant #JohnStudd #DonMuraco #RockyJohnson #IntercontinentalChampionship #ProWrestlingHistory #OldSchoolWrestling #TerritorialDays #WrestlingLegends #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork

 The Wrestling Wayback Machine is rolling ALL THE WAY BACK to April 14, 1975… 📍 Madison Square Garden… the MECCA of professional wrestling!

This week, Nikita and Benny take a deep dive into one of the most intense nights in WWWF history…

💥 HEADLINER: Champion vs. Former Friend turned BITTER ENEMY 🇮🇹 Bruno Sammartino ⚔️ vs ⚔️ 🇬🇷 Spiros Arion 🔥 in a brutal GREEK DEATH MATCH 🔥

Once allies… now fueled by betrayal, pride, and pure hatred—this wasn’t just a match… it was WAR.

But that’s not all… 💪 7 MORE ACTION-PACKED MATCHES 💥 Legends, rivalries, and unforgettable moments 🎟️ A card that was worth EVERY penny of admission

🎙️ Join Nikita and Benny as they break it all down, relive the drama, and take you back to a time when the punches felt real… and the stakes were even higher.

⏳ Step inside the time machine… Because this is wrestling the way it USED TO BE…

👉 WHEN IT WAS REAL 👈

📅 LIVE: Wednesday, April 15 ⏰ 7:30 PM 📺 Only on The Playa Entertainment Network

#WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWaybackMachine #BrunoSammartino #SpirosArion #MadisonSquareGarden #WWWF #OldSchoolWrestling #ProWrestlingHistory #TerritoryDays #WrestlingLegends #GreekDeathMatch #ClassicWrestling #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #LivePodcast #WrestlingFans #BackInTheDay #VintageWrestling

🔥 WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 58 🔥

Step inside the most legendary arena in wrestling history—Madison Square Garden—and rewind the clock to April 6, 1981… when the lights were brighter, the stakes were higher, and wrestling felt REAL.

This week, Nikita and Benny fire up the Wrestling Wayback Machine and drop you right into a night packed with pure, hard-hitting history:

👑 The WWF Championship hangs in the balance as Bob Backlund, the reigning king of the World Wrestling Federation steps into a brutal Steel Cage Match against the unstoppable Stan Hansen. No escape. No mercy. Just carnage.

🏆 The legendary Pedro Morales defends his Intercontinental Championship—proving why he was one of the most respected champions of his era.

💥 And in a clash that would ignite one of the fiercest rivalries of the early ‘80s… Pat Patterson vs. Sergeant Slaughter—their FIRST battle at MSG. Raw intensity. Personal hatred. No holding back.

🎙️ From the roar of the Garden crowd to the bone-crushing action in the ring, this is more than nostalgia… it’s a deep dive into a time when every punch mattered, every rivalry burned hotter, and every moment felt unforgettable.

📺 Join Nikita & Benny as they break it all down, relive every moment, and take you back… to when it wasn’t scripted hype—it was real emotion…

👉 WHEN IT WAS REAL

#WhenItWasReal #WWF #MadisonSquareGarden #StanHansen #PedroMorales #PatPatterson #SergeantSlaughter #WrestlingHistory #OldSchoolWrestling #SteelCageMatch #PlayaEntertainment #WrestlingWaybackMachine

Nikita and Benny wish everyone a Happy Easter! This is actually an interview from our former sister podcast (Classic Pro Wrestling With The WFIA) from the Fall of 2025. Our guest is the lovely Desiree Petersen, former WWF Women's Tag Team Champion. Although she wasn't in the business very long, Desiree most definitely made her mark in the world of professional wrestling!

🔥 MSG. 1979. PURE WRESTLING MAGIC. 🔥 The Wrestling Wayback Machine lands in the legendary Madison Square Garden on March 26, 1979—and business is about to pick up!

🏆 WWWF Champion Bob Backlund vs. Greg Valentine The All-American battles “The Hammer” in a hard-hitting main event for the gold!

💥 But that’s just the beginning… This STACKED card features legends at their peak:  Bruno Sammartino  Ivan Koloff  Ivan Putski  Peter Maivia  Dick Murdoch  Dusty Rhodes

🎙️ Join Nikita & Benny as they break down all 9 action-packed bouts, the rivalries, the crowd energy, and the magic that made this era unforgettable!

🕰️ Step inside the ring… Back when it was gritty. Back when it was real.

📺 LIVE Wednesday, March 25th at 7:30 PM Only on The Playa Entertainment Network

⚡ The Wrestling Wayback Machine rolls on… and YOU’RE invited!

#WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWayback #MSG1979 #BobBacklund #GregValentine #BrunoSammartino #DustyRhodes #IvanKoloff #OldSchoolWrestling #TerritoryDays #ProWrestlingHistory #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #ClassicWrestling #WWWF #WrestlingLegends

🚨 THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT 🚨

Step inside the legendary Philadelphia Spectrum and witness one of the most STACKED cards of the late ‘70s!

On Episode 56 of When It Was Real, Nikita and Benny fire up the Wrestling Wayback Machine and take you back to March 25, 1978 — a night where legends collided and history was made.

🔥 DOUBLE MAIN EVENT 🔥 🏆 Bob Backlund makes his VERY FIRST Spectrum title defense against “The Iron Greek” Spiros Arion 💪 “Living Legend” Bruno Sammartino goes to war once again with his bitter rival Ken Patera

💥 BONUS MATCH 💥 Lock the cage door… it’s the BRUTAL Philadelphia Spectrum Steel Cage showdown between Bob Backlund and Sgt. Slaughter held on March 21, 1981!

From sold-out crowds to hard-hitting action, this is professional wrestling the way it was meant to be…

🎙️ Join Nikita and Benny as they break it ALL down — the matches, the moments, and the magic of a bygone era.

🕰️ Take the ride… back to when it was REAL.

📅 Wednesday, March 24th ⏰ 7:30 PM 📺 Only on The Playa Entertainment Network

#WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWaybackMachine #BobBacklund #BrunoSammartino #KenPatera #SpirosArion #SgtSlaughter #PhiladelphiaSpectrum #OldSchoolWrestling #ProWrestlingHistory #TerritoryDays #ClassicWrestling #WrestlingPodcast #PlayaEntertainment

Here is one of our favorite episodes for your listening pleasure! The 1999 Heroes of Wrestling event still evokes controversy, over a quarter century later! Get the straight scoop from Nikita, who was there!

The Wrestling Wayback Machine fires up once again on Episode 55 of the When It Was Real Podcast!* This week, Nikita and Benny land in the mecca of professional wrestling — Madison Square Garden — on March 24, 1980, for one of the most electric nights in wrestling history.

The spotlight shines on the first Madison Square Garden showdown between teacher and student as the Living Legend Bruno Sammartino faces his former protégé Larry Zbyszko in a bitter and deeply personal battle that would ignite one of wrestling’s most unforgettable rivalries.

But the action doesn’t stop there! This legendary card is stacked with some of the biggest names of the era, including the unstoppable Andre the Giant, the powerful Ken Patera, Texas sensation Kerry Von Erich, and a young rising star named Hulk Hogan. And of course, the reigning WWF Champion Bob Backlund is on hand as the Garden crowd witnesses a night packed with larger-than-life personalities and unforgettable moments.

Long before the spectacle of WrestleMania, nights like this were the true supercards of professional wrestling. In many ways, this legendary MSG event was WrestleMania… five years before the first one ever happened!

Join Nikita and Benny as they break down the matches, the rivalries, the atmosphere, and the unforgettable magic of a time when it was real.

📺 LIVE Wednesday, March 18th at 7:30 PM only on the Playa Entertainment Network! 👍 Please Like & Subscribe so you never miss an episode of wrestling history.

#WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWaybackMachine #MadisonSquareGarden #BrunoSammartino #LarryZbyszko #AndreTheGiant #HulkHogan #BobBacklund #KenPatera #KerryVonErich #ClassicWrestling #TerritoryEra #ProWrestlingHistory #PlayaEntertainmentNetwork #OldSchoolWrestling

Here's a special bonus episode to get you through the weekend! In this episode, Nikita and Benny talk about those guys we watched on the losing end every Saturday morning! They'd get that one flurry of offense in, only to be put to the mat for the 3 count in short order. But even though they lost, we loved them anyway!

Step into the Wrestling Wayback Machine with Nikita and Benny as Episode 54 of the When It Was Real podcast transports fans back to one of the most electric nights in wrestling history!

On Wednesday, March 11 at 7:30 PM, live on The Playa Entertainment Network (please like and subscribe!), the guys land at the legendary Madison Square Garden on March 17, 1975—a night when the Cathedral of Professional Wrestling was absolutely rocking.

Headlining the card is the second explosive meeting between the beloved Bruno Sammartino, reigning WWWF Champion, and his former friend turned bitter enemy, Spiros Arion, the feared “Iron Greek.” What began as respect had turned into one of the most personal rivalries in Garden history, and the tension inside MSG that night was off the charts.

But this wasn’t just a one-match show. The card featured seven additional bouts packed with stars, action, and classic WWWF storytelling, making it a night every fan in attendance would remember long after the final bell.

Join Nikita Breznikov and Benny “The Playa” Scala as they break down the matches, the atmosphere, the angles, and the magic of an era when wrestling truly felt real.

Tune in and relive the glory days of the Garden!

#WhenItWasReal #WrestlingWaybackMachine #MadisonSquareGarden #BrunoSammartino #SpirosArion #WWWF #ClassicWrestling #TerritoryEra #ProWrestlingHistory #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork

While you're waiting for the next episode of When It Was Real, please enjoy this episode from our brother podcast "The Twisted Turnbuckle Podcast." This past Thursday's Episode, "Hollywood Squares Part V!", was easily the best Squares episode ever. Besides the usual hosts of Chris DeCarlo, Mike "The Class" DiGregorio, and Benny "The Playa" Scala, this weeks 'Squares' were:

Podcaster, author and trainer "Positively" Pat Sims

Pro wrestlers Vlad Koloff and "Wildcat" Wendall Cooley

Former Big Time Wrestling announcer Terry Sullivan

Mid-Atlantic Territory Wrestling promoter Lee Petry

Award-Winning professional wrestling historian Tony Richards

This is a can't miss episode and one for the books!

🎉 EPISODE 53 – HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! 🎉

ONE YEAR. 52 trips on the Wrestling Wayback Machine. Countless memories from the days… WHEN IT WAS REAL.

On Wednesday, March 4th at 7:30 PM, the celebration goes LIVE on The Playa Entertainment Network — and you do NOT want to miss this one! (Please like and subscribe!)

One year ago, wrestling promoter, author, actor, and manager Nikita Breznikov teamed up with pro wrestling author and podcaster Benny Scala — and the journey has been nothing short of legendary.

For their one-year anniversary spectacular, the guys head back to March 1, 1980 at the legendary Philadelphia Spectrum — the night that changed EVERYTHING.

The main event? The first true clash between mentor and student: Bruno Sammartino vs. Larry Zbyszko.

The betrayal. The build-up. The unprecedented HEAT.

This wasn’t just a match — it was personal. And the fallout would shake the wrestling world to its core.

Nikita and Benny break down the historic main event, the electric atmosphere, and the entire star-studded card — with the passion and perspective that only When It Was Real can deliver.

52 episodes down. Year Two begins NOW.

🔥 Join the celebration. 🔥 Relive the emotion. 🔥 Remember when wrestling felt REAL.

#WhenItWasReal #HappyAnniversary #WrestlingWaybackMachine #BrunoSammartino #LarryZbyszko #PhiladelphiaSpectrum #TerritoryEra #OldSchoolWrestling #ProWrestlingHistory #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork

🚨 The Wrestling Wayback Machine is fueled up and ready…Destination: GLORY! 🚨

On Wednesday, February 25th at 7:30 PM on The Playa Entertainment Network, Episode 52 of When It Was Real transports you back to the hallowed battleground of Madison Square Garden on February 16, 1981 — when wrestling wasn’t sports entertainment… it was WAR.

Standing tall as the embodiment of integrity, WWF Champion Bob Backlund faces his ultimate test against the wild-eyed, cowbell-swinging force of nature known as Stan Hansen. Hansen didn’t come to wrestle — he came to destroy. Could Backlund survive the storm in front of the most demanding crowd in the world?

And that’s not all… the Intercontinental Championship hangs in the balance as the proud Puerto Rican legend Pedro Morales defends against the sadistic drill instructor himself, Sergeant Slaughter. Pride. Pain. Patriotism. Only one walks out with the gold.

This was a night where legends were tested, warriors were forged, and every match meant everything. No scripts. No shortcuts. Just the raw intensity of WHEN IT WAS REAL.

Step inside the Garden. Feel the electricity. Witness history.

#WhenItWasReal #MadisonSquareGarden #BobBacklund #StanHansen #PedroMorales #SergeantSlaughter #WWF #TerritoryEra #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingHistory #PlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingWaybackMachine #1981Wrestling #IntercontinentalChampionship #ClassicWrestling

🔥 WHEN IT WAS REAL – Episode 51 🔥

“The Great Debate – February 20, 1978”

The Wrestling Wayback Machine is fired up and headed straight for one of the most controversial nights in professional wrestling history…

Was Superstar Billy Graham’s championship reign cut short before its time? Did Vince McMahon Sr. make the right call… or change history forever with one decision?

This week, Nikita and Benny crack open the vault and dive deep into the moment that still divides fans nearly 50 years later. Legacy. Business. Loyalty. Ego. The title.

And the surprise guests? YOU.

That’s right — we’re opening the floor to the live chat. Bring your passion. Bring your receipts. Bring your opinion. This debate has sparked arguments for decades… and Wednesday night will be no different.

📅 LIVE Wednesday, February 18th ⏰ 7:30 PM 📺 The Playa Entertainment Network

Hop in the time machine and strap in tight… Destination: WHEN IT WAS REAL.

#WhenItWasReal #WrestlingHistory #SuperstarBillyGraham #VinceMcMahonSr #WWFHistory #ProWrestling #WrestlingDebate #TerritoryDays #OldSchoolWrestling #PlayaEntertainmentNetwork

A couple of bonus episodes coming your way for the weekend! I can't imagine anyone would be surprised to learn that our 2 most listened to episodes are the 2 that featured Bruno...Originally aired in early October, here for your listening pleasure one more time!

A couple of bonus episodes coming your way for the weekend! I can't imagine anyone would be surprised to learn that our 2 most listened to episodes are the 2 that featured Bruno...Originally aired in early October, here for your listening pleasure one more time!

NOTE: Please excuse the technical difficulties at the beginning of the show...you may have to fast forward a few minutes! But it's worth the inconvenience, we promise!

🔥 WHEN IT WAS REAL – EPISODE 50 🔥 🕰️ Wrestling Wayback Machine engaged… destination: Madison Square Garden, February 17, 1975.

The World’s Most Famous Arena is the battleground as reigning WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino collides with his former ally turned bitter enemy Spiros Arion — now reborn as The Iron Greek. This isn’t just a title match… it’s the first thunderous chapter in a trilogy of brutal, history-making clashes between two titans of the squared circle. 💥

Join Nikita & Benny as they relive this epic main event and break down a stacked Garden card, including a WWWF World Tag Team Title showdown and legendary appearances by Pedro Morales and Victor Rivera. The lights are bright, the crowd is electric, and the action is as real as it gets.

📅 LIVE Wednesday, February 11 at 7:30 PM 📺 The Playa Entertainment Network 💬 Jump into the live chat, sound off with fellow fans, and relive the magic! 👍 Please like & subscribe!

Step back to an era when legends were forged… 🎙️ WHEN IT WAS REAL 🏛️

#WhenItWasReal #Episode50 #WWWF #BrunoSammartino #IronGreek #SpirosArion #MadisonSquareGarden #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingHistory #TerritoryDays #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #LikeAndSubscribe #LiveWrestlingTalk

Here's a pre-Super Bowl Bonus coming your way! Originally aired July 16, 2025, Nikita and Benny take a deep dive into the epic WWWF run of Eldridge Wayne Coleman, known and loved the world over as Superstar Billy Graham. Billy did the unthinkable when he pinned reigning WWWF Champion Bruno Sammartino at the Baltimore Civic Center on April 30, 1977. Superstar would be the first WWWF transitional champion to hold the belt for any length of time, defending the title for nearly 10 months before dropping it to Bob Backlund in Madison Square Garden on February 20, 1978. 

🔥 EPISODE 49 – WHEN IT WAS REAL 🔥 LIVE this Wednesday, February 4th at 7:30 PM on The Playa Entertainment Network

💥 “The Cobra Clutch Challenge – 45 Years Later!” 💥 Travel back to the moment that changed the World Wrestling Federation forever. The legendary Bob Remus aka Sergeant Slaughter turned pain into patriotism and left an impact that still echoes today.

Joining Nikita and Benny is WWF mainstay and master storyteller John Callahan — a former Killer Kowalski student and one of the very first men to survive the Cobra Clutch Challenge. First-hand stories. Locker-room memories. Old-school wrestling the way it was meant to be remembered.

💬 Jump into the LIVE chat and be part of the action 👍 Please LIKE & SUBSCRIBE ⏳ Every Wednesday, 7:30 PM — hop aboard the Wrestling Wayback Machine

🎯 Destination: WHEN IT WAS REAL

#WhenItWasReal #CobraClutchChallenge #SergeantSlaughter #BobRemus #OldSchoolWrestling #WWFHistory #ProWrestlingPodcast #WrestlingWaybackMachine #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #LiveWrestlingTalk

Join Nikita and Benny for another episode of "When It Was Real!" This week's episode is titled "Double Duncum In Philly", as a tribute to the late great Bob Duncum. The guys will be covering the epic Philadelphia Spectrum cards from January 12th and February 9th of 1980, with Duncum vs. Backlund as the centerpiece for both.

The weather is cold outside, but what better way to escape than with some great hot stove old school wrestling chat! Hop inside the Wrestling Wayback Machine! Destination: When It Was Real...

Here is another bonus episode to help cope with the snow and the cold! This is Episode 40 of our sister show, Classic Pro Wrestling With The WFIA. This is their 4th "Hollywood Squares" show, and the all=star panelists include former Big Time Wrestling announcer Terry Sullivan, wrestling historians George Schire and Wes Maidment, and indy wrestling legends "Boston Bad Girl" Brittany Brown and "Dangerous" Dave Star, both former students of the great Killer Kowalski. Why not take a break from the cold and listen to some good old school wrestling chat!

This episode was originally broadcast on September 17, 2025, but due to the impending inclement weather, here is one of our favorite episodes to distract you from the snow and the ice! Join Nikita and Benny as they welcome "The Three Amigos" - Johnny Rodz, Tony Garea, and Davey O'Hannon! These men graced the squared circle, as well as our TV sets, from the mid-60s well into the 1980's. The Amigos will share stories of their times in the ring, behind the curtain, and on the road...Enjoy and stay safe!

🔥 WHEN IT WAS REAL – Episode 47 🔥

Step into the Wrestling Wayback Machine as Nikita Breznikov and Benny “The Playa” Scala relive one of the most legendary nights in WWF history! 📍 Madison Square Garden – January 21, 1980 🏆 WWF Champion Bob Backlund vs. Ken Patera

Two more championship battles, six additional hard-hitting matches, and wall-to-wall old-school action—this card had everything that made wrestling real.

📺 LIVE Wednesday, January 21st | 7:30 PM 📡 The Playa Entertainment Network 👍 Please Like & Subscribe!

Strap in and travel back to a time when the lights were bright, the stakes were high, and the Garden ruled them all. 🎯 Destination: WHEN IT WAS REAL.

#WhenItWasReal #Episode47 #WWFHistory #MSG #BobBacklund #KenPatera #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingPodcast #ProWrestlingHistory #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingWaybackMachine

BRUNO vs. SUPERSTAR 🔥 Before History Was Made… The War Began.

Step into the Wrestling Wayback Machine as Nikita & Benny rewind to the first run of Superstar Billy Graham—including those legendary MSG clashes with Bruno Sammartino on Jan 12 & Feb 2, 1976.

The world title would change hands a year later… but THIS was the preview that shook the Garden.

🎙️ WHEN IT WAS REAL — Live 📅 Wednesday, January 14 ⏰ 7:30 PM 📡 The Playa Entertainment Network

Because there was a time when it wasn’t sports entertainment… WHEN. IT. WAS. REAL.

#WhenItWasReal #BrunoSammartino #SuperstarBillyGraham #WrestlingHistory #MSG #OldSchoolWrestling #TerritoryDays #ProWrestling #WrestlingPodcast #ThePlayaEntertainmentNetwork #WrestlingWaybackMachine

🔥 LIVE AT THE GREEK! 🔥 When It Was Real – Episode 45

From riot-level heat on January 7, 1975, at the Hamburg Field House, 🏟️ as Spiros Arion turns heel (with the assistance if “Classy” Freddie Blassie)—and a frustrated Larry Zbyszko in January, 1980, blocked by mentor Bruno Sammartino, until a shocking betrayal that still echoes today…

🎙️ Join Nikita Breznikov & Benny “The Playa” Scala as they fire up the Wrestling Wayback Machine and take you back to those halcyon days WHEN IT WAS REAL.

📅 LIVE Wednesday, January 7 | 7:30 PM 📡 The Playa Entertainment Network

#WhenItWasReal #ANightAtTheGreek #ClassicWrestling #ProWrestlingHistory #SpirosArion #FreddieBlassie #LarryZbyszko #BrunoSammartino #OldSchoolWrestling #WrestlingPodcast #TerritoryEra #HeelHeat #WrestlingWaybackMachine

Ring in the New Year the old-school way! 🎆 Join Nikita & Benny for a special New Year’s Eve LIVE episode of When It Was Real, streaming Wednesday, December 31st at 7:30 PM on The Playa Entertainment Network — and don’t forget to like & subscribe!

This week, the guys break down an epic Madison Square Garden card from December 28, 1982 featuring the reigning WWF Champion Bob Backlund vs. arch-nemesis Superstar Billy Graham in a heated Lumberjack Match! Plus, both the WWF Tag Team and Intercontinental Championships are on the line, and Jimmy Snuka vs. Ray Stevens collide in a bout worthy of headlining anywhere in the country.

Make it a weekly tradition — every Wednesday at 7:30 PM — as Nikita and Benny relive the halcyon days… WHEN IT WAS REAL.

#WhenItWasReal #NewYearsEve #WWFClassics #MadisonSquareGarden #ProWrestlingHistory #OldSchoolWrestling #LumberjackMatch #TagTeamTitles #IntercontinentalTitle #PlayaEntertainmentNetwork